Information and consultation rules apply to more firms

The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations have applied to organisations with 150 or more employees since 6 April 2005 and to those with 100 or more employees since 6 April last year.

While the is no automatic requirement to negotiate an Information & Consultation (I&C) agreement, employers are required to negotiate such an agreement if at least 10% of employees - subject to a minimum of 15 employees - make a formal request for one. Alternatively, employers can choose to start negotiations themselves.

Businesses with an existing I&C agreement that is in writing, covers all employees, and sets out how they inform and consult them, may already meet the obligations.

Further information on the I&C rules can be found on the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform website - see link above/right.